December 14, 2020 by Lexi Klinkenberg
Living alone can definitely have its perks, like having all of the fridge space to yourself, and being able to choose what you watch on television. But if you currently live alone or are planning to move into a home by yourself, it’s understandable if you feel a bit frightened by the possibility of intruders. Don’t stress about what could happen, instead take steps towards making your home safer so you can feel more secure. The secret to feeling safer when you live alone is planning ahead and taking home safety into your own hands. We’ve put together a home safety checklist to use if you want to feel safer at home.
1. Invest in a home security system
Did you know, according to a recent study, a burglar strikes every 25.7 seconds in the US, adding up to more than two burglaries every minute and over 3,300 burglaries per day. A home security system may be one of the best investments you can make when it comes to protecting yourself and your home. Most burglars are attracted to homes that do not have a security system installed, putting you at higher risk if you don’t have one. In addition to protecting you and your home, home security systems have many other benefits. Some of these benefits include the ability to monitor your home with indoor and outdoor cameras from anywhere and the ability to alert authorities if you are in danger. Depending on the home security system you choose, you may also see a discount on your home insurance. Some home security systems can even remotely shut off lights and appliances. A home security system might be just what you need to put your mind at ease and feel more safe while you’re at home.
2. Install more lights to increase your home safety
In addition to a security system, motion-detecting lights are a great way to deter potential burglars or other intruders. The sensor can pick up anyone walking around your home that shouldn’t be and will illuminate them in the spotlight. Installing these types of security lights around each entry point of your home is an inexpensive and easy way to feel more protected. You can also use smart devices to put your interior and exterior lights on timers. If you’re going away for a few days, put timers on your lights so it always looks like someone is home and awake. If you live in an area like Seattle, WA where the winters are a bit darker than somewhere like Sacramento, CA, these lights are a great way to know what’s going on outside your home.
3. Upgrade to a smart doorbell and smart locks
A smart doorbell is a web-connected, intercom system for your home. However, unlike a standard system, these doorbells also send notifications straight to your mobile devices, showing you a live video feed of whoever is waiting on your doorstep. Having a smart doorbell can help prevent theft from happening on your front porch, as well as allow you to view a person knocking at your door before having to open it. These devices can give you added peace of mind and up your home’s safety.
A smart lock is a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-enabled smart home device that can allow you to leave your house keys behind, by locking and unlocking doors with the tap of a finger or a simple voice command. Having smart locks can eliminate the fear that others have one of your keys or someone has found your spare. You can even set some smart locks to automatically lock the door after a set amount of time passes, or when your cell phone isn’t on the premises. Both of these smart home devices are great options for added home safety and security while adding to your smart home ecosystem.
4. Get to know your neighbors
You don’t have to become best friends with your neighbors, but taking the time to introduce yourself and become acquaintances can be valuable and can offer you an extra line of defense from intruders. Your neighbors can warn you if they are seeing any suspicious activity whether you are home or not. Knowing your neighbors and being able to recognize them will also make you more aware of strangers in your neighborhood.
5. Close curtains and blinds at night
Once the sun goes down and you turn your interior lights on, it’s very easy for others to see inside your home and difficult for you to see them. If there is someone lurking outside your home they are able to see just about everything you are doing. To ensure others aren’t watching you from a distance, make it a habit of closing your curtains and blinds every evening for added home safety. Additionally, intruders will often observe homes before planning a break-in. They look for signs that signal a home is empty. Don’t get in the habit of shutting curtains only when you are leaving, and having them open when you are home. This will be a sure sign that closed blinds mean you are away. If you don’t have blinds or curtains, consider investing in some new high-quality ones to provide you with more security.
6. Buy a security door
A security door adds another layer of safety to your home’s entrance. A security door acts as another barrier between your front door and front porch. They have their own lock and are usually made of a metal screen or thick glass, allowing you to see and hear the person outside without allowing them a way to enter your home. These doors offer another level of home safety and security and can deter intruders from attempting to break into your home. If you don’t want to install a smart doorbell these doors also offer a great alternative to feeling more safe when a stranger knocks on your door.
7. Strengthen your windows
If all other areas of your home are locked and secure, the only option an intruder would have is to break a window to enter your home. Glass can be easy to break, which is why windows are considered one of the weakest aspects of home security. If you want to strengthen your windows and increase the time it would take for someone to break them, invest in window security film. This is a clear film that is placed over your windows that is built to keep glass together in the event of breakage. This can buy you time to react and call for help if you hear someone struggling to break in.
If you live alone, feeling safe and secure is a must. Although it may cost you a bit more and take a little extra time to increase your home safety, it’s worth taking the necessary precautions to protect your home and yourself.
